I Fell Sick in the Rain, But I Also Fell in Love

Chapter 4

When I took my first step outside, the sweet, cool air hits me in a wave of freshness. I love the air quality after it rains. I'm glad I wore a light sweater because there was a nice chill in the air.

We walked all the way to the park, taking the same route from last night. I appreciated the contrast of today's walk compared to yesterday's. Not only was the scene literally different because of the dark rainy night to the now sunny day, the feeling in the air was different. Austin and I now strolled comfortably as if we had been friends for a long time, talking about the randomest things. Conversations were easy with this guy, and we often bounced around between topics. His easy going personality and sarcasm made me laugh a bunch of times.

A stray thought of Jake somehow crawled into my mind. I noticed the similarities between them. This was how it started with me and Jake- fun, light, playful, enjoyable. A sudden subconscious fear grew, that Austin might turn out to be like Jake if he ever gets bored of me.

However, I quickly shook the horrible thought away. I'll worry about that later. Now that I'm wiser, I would pick up on the red flags sooner and would take action if it ever comes to that. If this fear keeps up, Austin and I would be no more than friends. But I can't let that ruin my day today. I deserved some fun.

Silver Oak Park was a great place for everyone. Students from the campus often come here to hang out, and the families who lived in this town would come as well. We were passing by the skatepark when a guy with short curly blonde hair jogged over from there. He and Austin did that manly handshake and hug thing. "Ave, this is the idiot I was talking about yesterday," Austin introduced.

I giggled and offered a small wave, not wanting to shake his hand as it might spread germs, although I highly doubted it. "Hi, I'm Avery." Luckily, I didn't sound so sick anymore with all the talking and breathing of fresh air.

"This idiot has a name actually," the blonde said, glaring at his best friend, then smiled charmingly at me, "Hey, I'm Lucas, and I've heard a lot about you from this love-sick puppy."

"Excuse me, whatcha callin' me?" Austin demanded in a stern, offended voice. They proceeded into a mini fist fight, getting their limbs entangled in light punches and kicks and headlocks as they called each other names. I couldn't help but laugh. Two boys who are this close as best friends was always a sight to see, always acting tough and violent when in fact they're like brothers.

Jake was never this close to any of his friends. It just proves how much of a better person Austin is.

The boys stopped when they heard my laughter. "What's so funny?" they said in unison, narrowing their eyes at me.

"You guys remind me of me and my best friend," I said trying to contain my laughs. "We sometimes get into cat fights like that."

Lucas looked at Austin, "Dude, I think she just mocked our fighting skills."

Austin snorted, "Speak for yourself, bro, you're the one who's shaky with your skills."

Lucas raised an eyebrow at him, "You're the one who's been slacking lately." Although his tone was playful, I picked up that there was more meaning behind those words from his expression.

I glanced at Austin with my head slightly tilted to the side. He faked a laugh then abruptly stopped, making a slicing motion across his neck with his hand towards Lucas, giving him a pointed look. Lucas just smirked, looking satisfied, but didn't say anything more. I made a mental note of this.

I cleared my throat and started to make conversation, "So, um, Lucas, what are you doing here?"

"Just skating with my peeps," Lucas pointed to the skatepark. "Hey, Austin, we haven't seen you here since last week. Come join us for a bit?"